Bill Would Make Louisiana Schools Leave LHSAA

A bill in the state Legislature would remove public schools from the Louisiana High School Athletic Association, alleging the organization discriminates against schools that select their admissions by separating them into different football brackets.

Passing the bill — HB 267 — effectively would end the LHSAA as it stands today. Public schools make up 77 percent of the 389 member schools.

“There are about five times as many public school students in the state, so surely there are enough representatives in the state that know this would totally destroy athletics,” said Winnfield Senior High Principal Jane Griffin, who authored the proposition that split the playoffs.

The bill was written by Rep. Bob Hensgens, R-Abbeyville. It is co-sponored by Rep. Wesley Bishop, D-New Orleans, and Rep. Alan Seabaugh, R-Shreveport.